U.S. patent application number 09/849123 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-12 for snowmobile ski suspension system.
Invention is credited to Cormican, Dale D..
Application Number | 20020185829 09/849123 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25305115 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020185829 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cormican, Dale D. |
December 12, 2002 |
SNOWMOBILE SKI SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Abstract
A snowmobile ski suspension system for increasing the overall
performance and adjustability of a snowmobile front suspension. The
snowmobile ski suspension system includes a collar member attached
to the chassis of the snowmobile, a torsion spring attached about
the collar member, a first arm extending radially from the torsion
spring engaging the ski support structure, a second arm extending
radially from the torsion spring, and an adjustment member attached
to the second arm for allowing adjustment of the stiffness of the
torsion spring. The first arm may be attached at various locations
along the ski support structure in various manners.
Inventors: |
Cormican, Dale D.; (Mentor,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael S. Neustel
Suite No. 4
2534 South University Drive
Fargo
ND
58103
US
|
Family ID: |
25305115 |
Appl. No.: |
09/849123 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/21.1 ;
280/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 17/04 20130101;
B62M 27/02 20130101; B62M 2027/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/21.1 ;
280/16 |
International
Class: |
B62B 009/04 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A snowmobile ski suspension system having at least one
suspension arm extending from a chassis and an end support member
attached to said at least one suspension arm for supporting a ski,
comprising: a torsion spring attached to said chassis; and a first
arm radially extending from said torsion spring, wherein said first
arm is attached to said end support member.
2. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 1, wherein said
torsion spring movably surrounds a collar member attached to said
chassis.
3. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 2, wherein said
collar member allows said torsion spring to contract and
expand.
4. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 1, including a
means for adjusting a torsion of said torsion spring.
5. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 4, wherein said
means for adjusting said torsion comprises: a second arm radially
extending from said torsion spring; and an adjustment mechanism
attached to said second arm for allowing rotational adjustment of
said second arm thereby increasing or decreasing said torsion of
said torsion spring.
6. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 5, wherein said
adjustment mechanism comprises: an adjustment member having a first
end attached to said second arm and a threaded portion movably
extending through said chassis; and an interiorly threaded member
threadably attached to said threaded portion for adjusting said
adjustment member and said second arm.
7. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 1, including a
cradle member attached to said end support member, wherein said
cradle member receives a distal portion of said first arm.
8. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 7, wherein said
cradle member is comprised of a U-shaped cross sectional area.
9. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 1, including a
lower bracket attached to said end support member, wherein said at
least one suspension arm is attached to said lower bracket and
wherein said first arm is attached to said lower bracket.
10. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 1, wherein an end
of said torsion spring opposite of said first arm is non-movably
attached to said chassis.
11. A snowmobile ski suspension system having at least one
suspension arm extending from a chassis and an end support member
attached to said at least one suspension arm for supporting a ski,
comprising: a torsion spring attached to said chassis; and a first
arm radially extending from said torsion spring, wherein said first
arm is attached to said at least one suspension arm.
12. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 11, wherein said
torsion spring movably surrounds a collar member attached to said
chassis.
13. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 12, wherein said
collar member allows said torsion spring to contract and
expand.
14. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 11, including a
means for adjusting a torsion of said torsion spring.
15. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 14, wherein said
means for adjusting said torsion comprises: a second arm radially
extending from said torsion spring; and an adjustment mechanism
attached to said second arm for allowing rotational adjustment of
said second arm thereby increasing or decreasing said torsion of
said torsion spring.
16. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 15, wherein said
adjustment mechanism comprises: an adjustment member having a first
end attached to said second arm and a threaded portion movably
extending through said chassis; and an interiorly threaded member
threadably attached to said threaded portion for adjusting said
adjustment member and said second arm.
17. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 11, including a
cradle member attached to said at least one suspension arm, wherein
said cradle member receives a distal portion of said first arm.
18. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 17, wherein said
cradle member is comprised of a U-shaped cross sectional area.
19. The snowmobile ski suspension system of claim 11, wherein an
end of said torsion spring opposite of said first arm is
non-movably attached to said chassis.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to snowmobile ski
suspensions and more specifically it relates to a snowmobile ski
suspension system for increasing the overall performance and
adjustability of a snowmobile front suspension.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Snowmobile ski suspension systems have been in use for
years. A conventional snowmobile ski suspension system is typically
comprised of at least one arm member pivotally attached to the
front of the chassis with the distal portion thereof connected to
the ski. A shock absorber or similar device is mechanically
connected between the chassis and the at least one arm member to
dampen the movement of the ski and arm member. To provide an upward
lifting force for the front of the chassis, a compression spring is
attached between the arm member and the chassis thereby providing
support for the front of the chassis and the ski. The compression
spring typically surrounds the shock absorber as is common within
the snowmobile industry.
[0005] Leading snowmobile manufactures that utilize conventional
snowmobile front ski suspension systems include ARCTIC CAT
(www.arctic-cat.com), POLARIS (www.polarisindustries.com), YAMAHA
(www.yamaha.com) and BOMBARDIER (www.skidoo.com). All of these
manufacturers utilize the conventional shock absorber with a
compression spring surrounding thereof as is well known in the
industry. The present invention may be utilized upon any of these
conventional front ski suspension systems among others as can be
appreciated by one skilled in the art.
[0006] The main problem with conventional snowmobile ski suspension
systems is that they are difficult to adjust without significant
labor and tools. A further problem with convention snowmobile ski
suspension systems is that the compression spring surrounding the
shock absorber can sometimes damage the shock absorber by
physically wearing through the shock absorber from the upward and
downward movements of the suspension during usage. Another problem
with conventional snowmobile ski suspension systems is that the
coils of the compression spring may catch upon objects and
components of the snowmobile thereby hampering performance of the
suspension. A further problem with conventional ski suspension
system is that they do not provide a completely smooth ride for
individuals traveling upon extremely rough conditions.
[0007] Examples of patented snowmobile front ski suspension systems
which are illustrative of such prior art include U.S. Pat. No.
3,884,314 to Callaway; U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,692 to Hoffman; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,533,586 to Thompson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,664 to
Zulawski; U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,521 to Talbot et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,337,958 to Witt et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,958 to Olson et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,674,103 to Kiekhaefer; U.S. Pat. No. 3,835,947 to
Alexander, Jr.; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,854,541 to Hollnagel.
[0008] While these devices may be suitable for the particular
purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for
increasing the overall performance and adjustability of a
snowmobile front suspension. Conventional snowmobile front ski
suspension systems utilize a shock absorber and compression spring
combination to support the front chassis of a snowmobile which are
inherently difficult to adjust and do not provide a completely
stable suspension system.
[0009] In these respects, the snowmobile ski suspension system
according to the present invention substantially departs from the
conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing
provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of
increasing the overall performance and adjustability of a
snowmobile front suspension.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of snowmobile ski suspension systems now present in the prior
art, the present invention provides a new snowmobile ski suspension
system construction wherein the same can be utilized for increasing
the overall performance and adjustability of a snowmobile front
suspension.
[0011] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new
snowmobile ski suspension system that has many of the advantages of
the snowmobile ski suspension systems mentioned heretofore and many
novel features that result in a new snowmobile ski suspension
system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or
even implied by any of the prior art snowmobile ski suspension
systems, either alone or in any combination thereof.
[0012] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a
collar member attached to the chassis of the snowmobile, a torsion
spring attached about the collar member, a first arm extending
radially from the torsion spring engaging the ski support
structure, a second arm extending radially from the torsion spring,
and an adjustment member attached to the second arm for allowing
adjustment of the stiffness of the torsion spring. The first arm
may be attached at various locations along the ski support
structure in various manners.
[0013] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto.
[0014] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0015] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
snowmobile ski suspension system that will overcome the
shortcomings of the prior art devices.
[0016] A second object is to provide a snowmobile ski suspension
system for increasing the overall performance and adjustability of
a snowmobile front suspension.
[0017] Another object is to provide a snowmobile ski suspension
system that is comprised of a simple design structure.
[0018] An additional object is to provide a snowmobile ski
suspension system that is simple to adjust.
[0019] A further object is to provide a snowmobile ski suspension
system that does not utilize a compression spring to support the
front chassis.
[0020] Another object is to provide a snowmobile ski suspension
system that may be utilized upon various snowmobile ski suspension
structures.
[0021] A further object is to provide a snowmobile ski suspension
system that is able to withstand extensive usage upon rough terrain
and race tracks.
[0022] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects
and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
[0023] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated and described within
the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a side view of the prior art shock absorber and
compression spring combination suspension system.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a front view of the prior art shock absorber and
compression spring combination suspension system.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention attached to
the snowmobile chassis.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a front view of the present invention illustrating
the torsion spring connected between the chassis and the suspension
arm.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the present invention attached to
the snowmobile chassis.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 3 illustrating the present invention attached to the
snowmobile chassis and the suspension arm.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 3 illustrating the downward movement of the suspension arm as
compared to FIG. 6 of the drawings.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 3 illustrating the adjustment of torsion spring into a firmer
position.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along line 9-9 of
FIG. 5 illustrating the body portion of the torsion spring.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along line 10-10 of
FIG. 5 illustrating the adjustment mechanism connected to the
torsion spring.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a magnified top view of the first arm of the
torsion spring engaging a distal portion of the suspension arm.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1 through 11 illustrate a snowmobile ski suspension
system 10, which comprises a collar member 32 attached to the
chassis 13 of the snowmobile 12, a torsion spring 20 attached about
the collar member 32, a first arm 22 extending radially from the
torsion spring 20 engaging the ski support structure, a second arm
24 extending radially from the torsion spring 20, and an adjustment
member 60 attached to the second arm 24 for allowing adjustment of
the stiffness of the torsion spring 20. The first arm 22 may be
attached at various locations along the ski support structure in
various manners.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 of the drawings, a typically
snowmobile 12 has a pair of ski support structures on opposing
sides of the front chassis 13 of the snowmobile 12. Each ski
support structure is typically comprised of at least one suspension
arm pivotally attached to the chassis 13 of the snowmobile 12 as
are commonly known in the snowmobile 12 industry. FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and
5 of the drawings illustrate the usage of a lower suspension arm 18
and an upper suspension arm 18 that are commonly utilized within
the snowmobile industry. The arms 18, 19 pivotally extend from the
chassis 13 of the snowmobile 12 with the distal portions thereof
pivotally attached to a vertically orientated end support member
16. The end support member 16 is pivotally attached to the ski 14
as is further well known in the industry. At least one shock
absorber 11 is connected between the chassis 13 and the end support
member 16 (or directly to a suspension arm) for dampening the
movement of the ski support structure as is well-known in the art.
As is further commonly utilized within the snowmobile 12 industry,
a compression spring 15 typically surrounds the shock absorber 11
for supporting the chassis 13 above a surface as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2 of the drawings. The present invention eliminates the usage
of the compression spring 15 to support the chassis 13 above the
ground surface as will be discuss in further detail. As can be
appreciated, the present invention may be utilized upon various ski
support structures such as but not limited to ARCTIC CAT, YAMAHA,
SKI DOO, and POLARIS. ARCTIC CAT utilizes a pair of A-frame
suspension arms to support the end support member 16 and ski 14.
Manufacturers such as YAMAHA and SKI DOO utilize a pair of
suspension arms and a trailing arm attached to the end support
member 16. Further discussion of the ski support structure of a
snowmobile 12 is deemed not to be required as the same is readily
apparent within the art of snowmobiles.
[0038] As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings, a collar
member 32 is attached to the chassis 13 of the snowmobile 12 by a
support shaft 30 or other commonly utilized attachment means. The
collar member 32 may be comprised of various shapes, structures and
designs that are capable of receiving and supporting the torsion
spring 20 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings. The collar
member 32 may be comprised of a tubular or solid structure that is
capable of receiving the central portion of the torsion spring 20.
The collar member 32 is formed for allowing the body of the torsion
spring 20 to rotate, compress and expand without interference.
[0039] The torsion spring 20 has a first arm 22 and a second arm 24
as is best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings. The first arm 22
and the second arm 24 radially extend from the body of the torsion
spring 20 as further shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings. The
torsion spring 20 is constructed of a resilient material such as
but not limited to carbon steel, stainless steel, oil tempered
steel, steel alloys, phosphor bronze, composite materials and the
like. The torsion spring 20 may have various resilient
characteristics, outer diameters, inner diameters, coil diameters,
body lengths, number of coils, helix directions, and ends. The
torsion spring 20 may be comprised of various well known structures
utilized to construct a torsion spring 20.
[0040] The second arm 24 of the torsion spring 20 is secured to the
chassis 13 for preventing movement thereof. The second arm 24 may
have various lengths required to accomplish this attachment to the
chassis 13. The second arm 24 may be adjustably attached to the
chassis 13 by the usage of an adjustment member 60 or similar
structure as shown in FIGS. 6 through 8 of the drawings. The
adjustment member 60 is preferably adjustably positioned within the
chassis 13 to allow increasing or decreasing of torsion of the
torsion spring 20. The adjustment member 60 is positioned to
provide clockwise or counter-clockwise movement of the second arm
24 as shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings.
[0041] As further shown in FIGS. 6 through 8 of the drawings, the
adjustment member 60 preferably includes a threaded portion 62 that
is threadably positioned within an interiorly threaded member 64
that is attached to the chassis 13. The interiorly threaded member
64 may be comprised of a conventional nut structure. The distal end
of the adjustment member 60 may be comprised of a loop or other
structure to receive the second arm 24 of the torsion spring
20.
[0042] The user adjusts the torsion of the torsion spring 20 by
rotating the interiorly threaded member 64 which moves the second
arm 24 in the desired direction. For example, if the user desired
to create more torsion within the torsion spring 20, the user would
tighten the interiorly threaded member 64 upon the threaded portion
62 of the adjustment member 60 as shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings.
Various other means for adjusting and securing the adjustment
member 60 may be utilized that are common within the art. It can
also be appreciated that the adjustment member 60 may be positioned
below or to the side of the second arm 24 though not illustrated
within the drawings.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3 through 8 of the drawings, the first arm
22 of the torsion spring 20 extends from the body thereof toward
the end support member 16. The first arm 22 may be connected
directly to the end support member 16 or to one of the suspension
arms 18, 19 to provide a torsion force to the ski support
structure.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 6 through 8 and 11, a cradle member 50 may
be attached to a lower bracket 40 or suspension arm 18, 19 to
receive a portion of the first arm 22. The cradle member 50
preferably has a U-shaped cross sectional shape, however various
other structures may be utilized to receive the first arm 22. The
lower bracket 40 may be directly connected to either or both the
end support member 16 and one of the suspension arms 18, 19. The
first arm 22 may be engaged at various locations besides the distal
portion thereof even though not illustrated within the
drawings.
[0045] In use, the user adjusts the adjustment member 60 to
manipulate the second arm 24 thereby creating the desired level of
torsion within the torsion spring 20. For example, if an increased
torsion upon the ski support structure is desired (i.e. stiffer
suspension), the user would adjust the adjustment member 60 to
increase the torsion within the torsion spring 20. If a decreased
torsion upon the ski support structure is desired (i.e. softer
suspension), the user would adjust the adjustment member 60 to
decrease the torsion within the torsion spring 20. The applied
torsion of the torsion spring 20 upon the ski support structure
elevates the chassis 13 above the ground surface as shown in FIGS.
3 through 8 of the drawings. During riding of the snowmobile 12
when the ski 14 encounters an obstacle or bump within the riding
surface, the ski 14 is elevated upwardly with the torsion spring 20
applying an increased torsion upon the ski support structure as the
first arm 22 is rotated upwardly as shown in FIG. 6 of the
drawings. When the ski 14 encounters a depression within the riding
surface, the ski 14 is lowered downwardly with the torsion spring
20 applying a decreased torsion upon the ski support structure as
the first arm 22 is rotated downwardly as shown in FIG. 7 of the
drawings. This process continues during the riding of the
snowmobile 12. The user may at anytime during riding adjust the
adjustment member 60 for adjusting the ride of the snowmobile
12.
[0046] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and
operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent
from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion
relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0047] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and
all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
[0048] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
1 Index of Elements for Snowmobile Ski Suspension System 40. Lower
Bracket 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 10. Snowmobile Ski
Suspension System 50. Cradle Member 11. Shock Absorber 51. 12.
Snowmobile 52. 13. Chassis 53. 14. Ski 54. 15. Compression Spring
55. 16. End Support Member 56. 17. 57. 18. Lower Suspension Arm 58.
19. Upper Suspension Arm 59. 20. Torsion Spring 60. Adjustment
Member 21. 61. 22. First Arm 62. Threaded Portion 23. 63. 24.
Second Arm 64. Interiorly Threaded Member 25. 65. 26. 66. 27. 67.
28. 68. 29. 69. 30. Support Shaft 70. 31. 71. 32. Collar Member 72.
33. 73. 34. 74. 35. 75. 36. 76. 37. 77. 38. 78. 39. 79.
* * * * *